Author: Alex Thompson

Benzo Withdrawal Timeline: Stoned to Sober

Once you are stabilized on a dose of diazepam, your prescribing doctor will help you slowly taper down a little bit at a time. This gives your body and mind the time to adjust to life without Xanax. The primary difference between these drugs is the length of time they stay active in the body. However, benzodiazepines can cause physical dependence and withdrawal even when they are taken as directed. If withdrawal symptoms become severe, doctors may prescribe other medications.

How Long Does Xanax Last?

You might feel irritable and hypersensitive to everything around you. During the first week, you can also expect physical symptoms like headaches and hand tremors. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classify benzodiazepines as a Schedule IV controlled substance. According to the classification, these drugs have a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may be mild in people who take the drugs for short periods.

What makes benzodiazepine withdrawal so dangerous?

1. Dependence and withdrawal can happen to anyone, even if you take your medication exactly as instructed.
2. A 2014 case study reports that an individual experienced a rapid withdrawal from Xanax while taking high doses of niacin, vitamin C, and gamma aminobutyric acid.
3. Severe symptoms and reactions can occur, and working with a professional can help a person avoid or manage these symptoms.
4. Psychotherapy can help you understand the root cause of your substance abuse problems.

Most people do okay with tapering their benzodiazepines at home with the help of their primary care doctor or psychiatrist. You should plan to stay in touch with your doctor regularly during the tapering process, either by phone or during office visits. Your doctor will help make an individualized tapering schedule based on your current dose and particular circumstances.

What Does Xanax Rebound Mean?

Our writers include physicians, pharmacists, and registered nurses with firsthand clinical experience. All condition, treatment and wellness content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional ensuring the most accurate information possible. Doctors typically prescribe benzos for short-term relief from conditions such as anxiety.

Quitting cold turkey can increase your risk of extreme and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including delirium and grand mal seizures. If you have been taking Xanax several times a day, then quitting is going to take time, patience, and determination. The only safe way to quit is to slowly taper down your dose under the direction of a doctor. Long-term treatment after benzodiazepine withdrawal will depend on your reasons for taking them in the first place and your reasons for quitting. If you have a psychiatric condition that was managed by the benzodiazepines, you will need an alternative plan to manage your condition.

During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Each tablet of Xanax contains 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 milligrams (mg) of alprazolam. In general, higher doses will take longer for your body to fully metabolize. It takes longer for people with alcoholic liver disease to break down, or metabolize, Xanax.

Short-term symptoms

GABA acts as a sort of speed bump that helps all the other chemical messengers travel through your brain at a reasonable pace. They can range in severity, though for some people, they remain mild and manageable. If you are concerned about the risks involved in Xanax tapering for any reason, discuss these concerns with a doctor.

Your doctor can answer questions you may have about the prescription. This includes how frequently you need to take benzos and for how long. If you experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms during your taper, your care team can help you explore options to address those symptoms and get relief. But when you start removing benzodiazepines from your system, suddenly your clogged neurons become an open freeway with no traffic lanes.

The amount of time it takes to feel the effects of Xanax can depend on whether or not you have a tolerance. You typically stop feeling the effects of Xanax before it fully leaves your system. A 2014 case study reports that an individual experienced a rapid withdrawal from Xanax while taking high doses of niacin, vitamin C, and gamma aminobutyric acid.

Benzo withdrawals can be severe, and life threatening complications can occur. A healthcare professional should supervise benzo withdrawal to help monitor and manage the symptoms. Contact your doctor for advice if you have been taking benzos for a prolonged period. Your doctor will help you create a timeline to gradually taper the dosage. This will help you come off benzos as safely as possible and reduce your risk of serious withdrawal symptoms.

Most symptoms of Xanax withdrawal are unpleasant and distressing but not life threatening. However, contact your doctor for advice before taking any vitamins or supplements. Your doctor will consider your personal health and circumstances before recommending vitamins or supplements.